Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together researchers from varied scientific disciplines to explore aspects of the mind and brain. The Zuckerman Institute is located within the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility on Columbia's Manhattanville campus in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. The Institute is home to over 50 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative and inclusive environment, labs work together to gain insights into diverse aspects of brain function and structure in health and disease.

The Hillman Lab, which is also affiliated with Columbia University's Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology, is located within the Zuckerman Institute and specializes in the development and application of high-speed optical imaging and 3D microscopy techniques to study brain function, physiology and structure across scales.

The Hillman Lab is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist (or equivalent) with strong expertise in optical design to contribute to ongoing projects developing novel high-speed 3D microscopes for a range of brain imaging applications. Optics expertise should ideally include microscopy and optical systems design, system assembly, alignment, integration and optimization. Familiarity with light-sheet methods, scanning microscopy, optical modeling, cameras, spectroscopy, electronics, non-linear microscopy, laser physics and image and data analysis and machine learning (Matlab/Python) are preferred, although training will be available as needed. A passion for studying the brain or prior experience with neuroscience research is also strongly desirable. The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a related disciplines (optics, physics, engineering).

Applicants are expected to be self-motivated and highly collegial and collaborative, have a creative approach to problem solving and an interest in working with multi-disciplinary teams. The Hillman lab is an energetic, diverse group with broad interests spanning imaging technology development and its application to answering novel questions relating to real-time brain activity and its relation to behavior, with important extensions to brain disease and human health. Candidates are expected to have strong communication skills, sound judgment and a flexible, open and collaborative style that encourages peer to peer mentoring, teamwork, cooperation and learning. The successful candidate will have opportunities to perform original work, present results at conferences and in publications, and will be supported to foster career development skills including mentoring, teaching and grant writing, both informally and through rich postdoctoral professional development programs at the Zuckerman Institute. Individuals typically underrepresented in STEM fields as well as those with non-traditional career paths are enthusiastically encouraged to apply. 

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to creating a sustainable structure to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Columbia University welcomes and strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented minorities in STEM (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Americans or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders), individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, veterans, individuals with disabilities and women (particularly from the above categories).

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. or doctorate in related STEM field (Optics, Physics, Engineering, etc.) or equivalent. 

Inquiries should be sent directly to Dr. Elizabeth Hillman at eh2245@columbia.edu.

Interested candidates will be required to submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter including brief statement of your research interests
• List of References (references should be familiar with the candidate's work)

More information about the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute can be found at: www.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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